The wildfire hazard will remain MODERATE for the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area.The warm temperatures and winds have melted the snow exposing areas of dead dry grass. These areas of dead grass will ignite easily and winds can cause a fire to spread very quickly. Use extreme caution in areas where the grass is exposed.
Today, we had our first wildfire of the season. The wildfire was reported early this morning and firefighters were immediately dispatched. The first firefighters on scene deemed the fire to be under control and worked to extinguish the smoldering surface fire in grass. The wildfire is located approximately 10 kilometers southwest of Slave Lake and the cause is under investigation.
Starting this week, firefighters will be burning areas of dry grass in and around many communities in the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area. Burning in the spring will help to remove the dangerous build up of dry grass that becomes prominent around many communities in the spring. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Wildfire Information Officer Leah Lovequist 780-849-0945.
Did you know that most of Alberta’s wildfires usually happen early in the season and that 60 per cent of all wildfires are human-caused. In March 2014, there were 11 wildfires, showing that despite the snow wildfires can happen. You can help firefighters by getting a fire permit. Avoid a false alarm and make sure firefighters are where they are needed, not in your backyard.
Before you burn it, get your permit
As of March 1st, Albertans in the forested areas need to get a fire permit for any burning, except campfires. To request your free fire permit contact your local Environment and Sustainable Resource Development office at:
Slave Lake/Red Earth: 780.849.7377
Wabasca: 780.891.3860
High Prairie: 780.523.6619
Please do plan ahead and request your permit atleast three days before you'd like to burn. Also, here are three ways you can be prepared for your site inspection with one of our patrolman:
1) prepare your burn site according to the burn site guidelines
2) know the legal land location of your burn site
3) have a phone number we can call you back on if needed
Check your winter burns
Go back and check your winter burns and ensure they are extinguished. Winter fires can smolder under the snow all winter long and emerge as a wildfire in the spring when conditions are warm and dry.
When checking your winter burns, spread around any remaining debris and dig deep in the ashes to check for heat. A fire is not extinguished until there is absolutely no heat emanating from the ashes. Douse with water until no heat or steam can be felt or seen. Click here to learn more on how to prevent your winter burn from becoming a wildfire.
For more information about wildfires in Alberta- Download the free Alberta Wildfire app for any Apple product from the iTunes store and for android users, this app is also available from the Google Play store.
- Visit us at www.wildfire.alberta.ca
- Check for fire advisories, restrictions, firebans and forest closures at www.albertafirebans.ca
- Follow us on Twitter or Facebook
- Visit the ESRD blog
Thank you for doing your part to prevent wildfires.Your next wildfire update will be Monday March 23,2015.
Leah Lovequist- INFORMATION OFFICER
Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area
Office: 780.849.7412
Mobile: 780.849.0945
Leah.Lovequist@gov.ab.ca
To report wildfires call 310-FIRE